Man United Donate Tribute Jersey

Museum of Liverpool puts “96” tracksuit on display

A tracksuit top worn by a Manchester United star has been donated to the Museum of Liverpool.

The United team wore tracksuits with “96” on the back when they visited Anfield last September - in tribute to those lost in the 1989 tragedy.

On the eve of the two clubs meeting again this Sunday, the Manchester United Museum has donated the jersey to the Museum of Liverpool.

It will go in a display case that looks at the 1980s football scene in Liverpool alongside two other new items, the Hillsborough Independent Panel Report and the Justice Collective single ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’.

The donation of the 96 jersey came about when Museum of Liverpool curator Paul Gallagher spoke at a Sports Heritage symposium and highlighted the impact of Hillsborough on the city.

Mr Gallagher, curator of Contemporary Collecting at the Museum of Liverpool, said: “There is a fierce rivalry between Manchester and Liverpool. You would not expect to see a tracksuit top from Liverpool’s arch rivals on display in the Museum. But bonds can be forged between clubs and rival cities.

“We are honoured to receive this symbolic item from Manchester United which shows how the football world reacted to the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel Report last autumn.”

Richard Arnold, Manchester United’s Group Managing Director said: “Manchester United is proud to be able to contribute to this display. The disaster at Hillsborough was a tragedy far bigger than mere football rivalry. Manchester United pays tribute to the campaign for justice that finally revealed a terrible damning truth about that tragic day in April 1989.”

Museum of Liverpool

The Museum of Liverpool is the country’s most visited museum outside of London. It is the largest newly-built national museum in Britain for more than a century, demonstrating Liverpool’s unique contribution to the world.

As the first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city, it showcases popular culture while tackling social, historical and contemporary issues and is a fantastic, free family day out. It has attracted more than two million visitors since opening in July 2011. The prestigious Council of Europe Museum Prize for 2013 was awarded to the Museum for its commitment to human rights as well as its work with children and families from all backgrounds.

The Museum has received generous support from several major funders, along with grants from trusts and foundations, corporate support and individual donations. Major funders include the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS),Garfield Weston Foundation and the Clore Duffield Foundation.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) was responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England’s Northwest and had five key priorities: Business, Skills and Education, People and Jobs, Infrastructure and Quality of Life.

The European Development Fund (ERDF) is making a real difference to people and businesses in the North West. With €755 million to invest between 2007 and 2013, ERDF is enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s economy by supporting growth in enterprise and employment. ERDF in the North West is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government – for further information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 30,000 projects allocating £4.5billion across the UK. www.hlf.org.uk

About National Museums Liverpool

National Museums Liverpool comprises eight venues, including some of the most visited museums in England outside of London. Our collections are among the most important and varied in Europe and contain everything from Impressionist paintings and rare beetles to a lifejacket from the Titanic. We attract more than 3 million visitors every year. Our venues are the Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, the Walker Art Gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, UK Border Agency National Museum, Sudley House and the Lady Lever Art Gallery.